Due to the large number of power outages in the area resulting from the first snowstorm of the season, the American Red Cross opened a shelter Friday afternoon at the Cheboygan Armory.

Red Cross Local Volunteer Coordinator Rosemary Gauthier said the shelter opened just before 2 p.m. on Friday to assist residents who have lost utility power following the recent winter storm.

“We are setting up for mass care,” Gauthier said. “We can make sure that people’s basic needs are met here until they are able to go back home. We are prepared for people to spend the night here; we will feed them and entertain them as best we can.”

Gauthier said Red Cross volunteers are planning to keep the shelter open for at least 24 hours and possibly indefinitely until there is no longer a need.

The Salvation Army helps in the effort by providing food and refreshments at the shelter, as well as sources of entertainment such as books, puzzles and sometimes toys for children, Gauthier explained.

There are bathroom facilities including showers at the shelter as well, she added. Kids are welcome at the shelter, which is located at 610 Cuyler St.

Katherine Passino of Cheboygan, along with her husband, Clement, and brother, Niles Weatherwax, took advantage of the opportunity for warmth right as the shelter opened Friday. They lost power at their Todd Street residence in the city of Cheboygan around 8 p.m. Thursday, and found out about the shelter after calling their insurance company.

“It’s warmer here, that’s the main thing,” Katherine said.

For residents in the southern portion of the county, a warming center was opened at the Forest Township Hall, although it does not have overnight accommodations. The Forest Township Hall is located at 9511 M-68/M-33 near Onaway.

The Cheboygan County Emergency Operations Center was partially activated on Friday as well, according to Emergency Management Director Greg Williams. The EOC serves as a central coordination hub during a event that impacts a community on a large scale, so that multiple agencies and annexes can flow through one center for communications and updated information and to determine the need for shelters and other responses.

Williams said he was in touch with entities such as social service organizations and power companies, and was tracking outages and restorations.

Williams said EOCs were partially activated due to the storm in all three counties that he serves for emergency management, including Cheboygan, Emmet and Charlevoix. As of Friday afternoon, Williams said utilities were indicating some power restorations could stretch into next week.

“Cheboygan was hit the hardest (of the three counties),” Williams said. “Due to having more rural areas, it can be harder for restorations; it takes longer.”

Page 2 of 2 - Williams was also coordinating assistance for individuals who had a need for a shelter but had no transportation.

“If anybody can’t make it into a shelter, we can make arrangements for them,” Williams said.

Anyone needing shelter accommodations or transportation to a shelter is asked to contact the American Red Cross directly at 517-258-1524 for further information and assistance.

If someone has to leave home and go to a shelter, they should remember to bring prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, toiletries, important documents and other comfort items, according to Red Cross officials. They should remember items needed for infants and children, such as diapers, formula, and toys, along with any special things for family members who are elderly or disabled.

For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this winter, visit www.redcross.org.